FC Goa Coach Manolo Marquez Appeals for Strong Fan Support Ahead of Crucial Home Match
In a heartfelt plea to the local supporters, FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez has called for increased fan attendance and enthusiasm as his team prepares to host Sporting Club Delhi at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday. The Spanish tactician emphasized the critical role of home support in boosting team morale and performance, particularly in a short and intense season.
Addressing Poor Attendance and Championing Indian Talent
Marquez expressed gratitude towards the fans who attended the season opener against Inter Kashi FC, which ended in a 1-1 draw, but noted the disappointingly low turnout. "If I was an Indian, I would like to see a lot of Indian players playing in my team," Marquez stated during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday. He acknowledged the allure of foreign players but stressed that Indian footballers deserve more recognition and backing from the stands.
"The Indian players have contributed immensely to our successes, including winning games and trophies. They have earned the right to play in front of larger crowds. A packed stadium fosters a stronger connection between the team and its supporters, which is vital for our spirit," Marquez elaborated, highlighting the team's achievements such as their Super Cup final victory against East Bengal that secured a spot in Asian competitions.
Building Momentum After a Mixed Start to the Season
FC Goa's campaign began with a shaky 1-1 draw against newcomers Inter Kashi FC, followed by a dominant away win against Mohammedan Sporting. Marquez is keen to build on this momentum and has urged his squad to approach each match with a learning mindset. "We need to enjoy this season because we already have the slot for the Asian competition. We aim to win every game, but we also want to learn from each experience," he said, reflecting on the team's gradual improvement.
The coach pointed out that while the second half against Mohammedan Sporting was not fantastic, it showed progress from the previous match. He expects a better performance against Delhi, emphasizing the importance of clinical finishing. "We need to have more hunger to finish the action and a better mentality to score goals," Marquez remarked, referencing the team's 12 shots with only four on target in the last game.
Key Players and Tactical Adjustments
With only two foreigners—Pol Moreno and Dejan Drazic—in the squad, Marquez is relying heavily on Indian talent. Moreno and Drazic combined for the opening goal against Mohammedan Sporting, with Drazic also scoring twice from penalties. Marquez sees this as a golden opportunity for Indian players to gain valuable minutes and shine.
- Muhammed Nemil has been entrusted with leading the attack in the last two matches.
- Ishan Pandita, known for his super-sub performances during his previous stint, adds depth and scoring threat.
- Other players like Udanta and Boris have shown promise, coming close to scoring in recent outings.
"Finally, we have 11 players on the field, whether they are foreigners or Indians. It's a great chance for our Indian players to prove themselves in this compact season," Marquez added, underscoring the collective effort required.
Respecting the Opposition and Anticipating Challenges
Despite Sporting Club Delhi's position at the bottom of the table after losses to Bengaluru FC (2-0) and East Bengal (1-4), Marquez warned against complacency. He noted that Delhi had scoring opportunities in both games and could pose a threat if FC Goa underestimates them.
"Delhi are last on the table, but it's only been two games, and they had chances to score. I believe this team will win against a strong opponent soon. If we don't play well, we will face problems," Marquez cautioned, urging his players to adapt to the unique challenges of each match.
As FC Goa aims to secure another victory and climb the standings, Marquez's call for fan support resonates as a crucial factor in inspiring the team to deliver a thrilling performance on home turf.
